More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)

House of Stuart

(Scotland 1371–1603, Britain 1603–1714)The descendants on the thrones of Scotland and Britain of a family of hereditary stewards to the kings of Scotland, whose name for that reason became Stewart. In 1315 Marjorie, daughter of *Robert the Bruce, married Walter Stewart; in 1371 their son became king as Robert II (see the *royal house of Scotland). His reign was followed by those of Robert III, James I, James II, James III, James IV, James V, Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. In the 16C, when there were close links with France (Mary being married to Francis II), the spelling was gradually adjusted to Stuart, because there is no 'w' in the French alphabet.

When *Elizabeth I died in 1603, James VI of Scotland was the senior descendant of Henry VII (see the *royal house). He therefore also became James I of England, bringing the two crowns together for the first time. The house of Stuart continued with Charles I, Charles II, James II, William III and Mary II, and finally Anne. The Act of *Settlement transferred the crown to the house of *Hanover, but the *Jacobites continued to press the Stuart claim until the mid-18C.